Bean stew

Bean stew is a traditional recipe, loved for generations, that brings delicious flavors and comforting taste to the table. This dish, not only nourishing but also rich in history, has been cooked with devotion over time, often considered a symbol of hospitality. A serving of bean stew can bring smiles to the faces of loved ones, regardless of the occasion. Next, I will guide you step by step on how to prepare this delicacy, sharing some tips to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients you need:

- 300 g beans (preferably white or yellow)
- 1 dried onion
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 1-2 carrots
- 1-2 pieces of parsley root (or celery)
- 1 bell pepper
- Salt, pepper, thyme, and basil (to taste)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2-3 tablespoons of oil (preferably olive)
- 4-5 fresh tomatoes or 400 g tomato juice
- 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste or concentrate
- Parsley, dill, or tarragon (to taste)

Preparing bean stew:

Step 1: Preparing the beans
Carefully select the beans, ensuring there are no damaged ones. Rinse them well under cold running water. Soak them for 4-8 hours, ideally overnight, to rehydrate and cook faster. This step is essential as the beans will absorb water, become softer, and reduce cooking time.

Step 2: Boiling the beans
After soaking, drain the beans and put them in a pot. Add fresh water, and to eliminate some toxins, bring the water to a boil and then discard it. Repeat this process 2-3 times. Then, in the last boiling water, add the whole dried onion, finely chopped vegetables (carrots, parsley, and bell pepper), bay leaves, salt, pepper, thyme, and basil. This mixture will give a wonderful aroma to the beans. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 40-60 minutes until the beans are tender.

Step 3: Preparing the sauce
Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. In a frying pan, add the 2-3 tablespoons of oil and sauté the finely chopped green onion together with the chopped tomatoes (or tomato juice) and tomato paste. This process will intensify the flavors. Let the sauce simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes smooth and fragrant.

Step 4: The final combination
When the beans and vegetables are cooked, add the sauce to the pot. Stir well to integrate all the ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add two tablespoons of corn starch instead of flour, as it is healthier and easier to digest. Let the stew simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.

Step 5: Serving
Bean stew can be served hot, but it is just as delicious cold. Enhance its flavor with seasonal pickles or, on non-fasting days, with grilled meats, sausages, or smoked meat. Personally, I like to serve it with a fresh vegetable salad for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Useful tips:
- If you prefer a spicier taste, you can add some hot peppers to the sauce.
- Experiment with different types of beans, each will bring a unique note to your dish.
- Use a pressure cooker to significantly reduce cooking time.

Nutritional information:
This bean stew recipe is rich in plant proteins, fiber, and vitamins, making it an excellent choice for a healthy diet. A 200 g serving of bean stew contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the added ingredients.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned beans?
Yes, but you should rinse them well to remove excess salt and preservatives. Boil only to combine the flavors with the sauce.

2. How can I enrich the recipe?
Add mushrooms, zucchini, or even potatoes to make the dish more substantial.

3. Will I need more time to cook white beans?
White beans cook faster than other types, but it is important to soak them.

In short, bean stew is a simple yet extremely tasty recipe that can be customized according to your culinary preferences. Whether prepared on the weekend for a family meal or shared with friends, this dish will surely bring joy to any home. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 300 g beans, dried onion, 1 bunch of green onions, 1-2 pieces of carrots, 1-2 slices of celery, bell pepper, salt, pepper, thyme, basil, 2 bay leaves, 2-3 tablespoons of oil, 4-5 tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, tomato juice to taste, parsley, dill, tarragon to taste.